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James Edwin Ray

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James Edwin Ray
James Edwin Ray, U.S. Air Force
Born (1941-08-25) August 25, 1941 (age 83)
Longview, Texas
Allegiance United States of America
Service / branch United States Air Force
Years of service1964–1990
RankColonel
Unit469th Tactical Fighter Squadron
Battles / warsVietnam War
AwardsSilver Star
Legion of Merit
Purple Heart
Prisoner of War Medal

James Edwin Ray (born August 25, 1941) was a United States Air Force officer and fighter pilot. He was awarded the Silver Star for his selflessness and courage in the face of great danger.

Biography

James E. Ray graduated from Texas A&M University in 1964. For two years, he flew F-105 fighter bombers in the U.S. Air Force.[1] On his 11th combat mission, on May 8, 1966, Ray had to eject over North Vietnam and was immediately captured. He was decorated for his resistance to his captors and developing techniques for his fellow prisoners to resist his captors.[2][3] He was not released until February 12, 1973.[4]

Awards and decorations

US Air Force Command Pilot Badge
Silver Star
Bronze oak leaf cluster
Width-44 crimson ribbon with a pair of width-2 white stripes on the edges
 Legion of Merit with bronze oak leaf cluster
V
Bronze oak leaf cluster
Width-44 scarlet ribbon with width-4 ultramarine blue stripe at center, surrounded by width-1 white stripes. Width-1 white stripes are at the edges.
 Bronze Star Medal with Valor device and bronze oak leaf cluster
Bronze oak leaf cluster
Width-44 purple ribbon with width-4 white stripes on the borders
 Purple Heart with bronze oak leaf cluster
Defense Meritorious Service Medal
Width-44 crimson ribbon with two width-8 white stripes at distance 4 from the edges. Meritorious Service Medal
Air Medal
Bronze oak leaf cluster
 Air Force Outstanding Unit Award with bronze oak leaf cluster
Prisoner of War Medal
Width=44 scarlet ribbon with a central width-4 golden yellow stripe, flanked by pairs of width-1 scarlet, white, Old Glory blue, and white stripes National Defense Service Medal
Silver star
Bronze star
Bronze star
Bronze star
 Vietnam Service Medal with silver and three bronze service stars
Silver oak leaf cluster
Bronze oak leaf cluster
 Air Force Overseas Short Tour Service Ribbon with silver and bronze oak leaf clusters
Air Force Overseas Long Tour Service Ribbon
Silver oak leaf cluster
 Air Force Longevity Service Award with silver oak leaf cluster
Small Arms Expert Marksmanship Ribbon
Air Force Training Ribbon
Order of National Security Merit, Tong-il Medal
Vietnam Gallantry Cross Unit Award
Vietnam Campaign Medal

See also

References

  1. ^ "Bio: James E. Ray". POW Network. Retrieved July 2, 2013.
  2. ^ "James E Ray - Service Record". United States Air Force. n.d. Retrieved 2008-09-25.
  3. ^ "James E Ray - Service Record - Bronze Star". United States Air Force. n.d. Retrieved 2008-09-25.
  4. ^ "James E. Ray". Veteran Tributes. Retrieved 2008-09-06.
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